This time Hinata was in the tree, awaiting Komaeda, who leapt through the window with little effort. Over the years, climbing into the fort had become child's play to him. However… suddenly, the window's brackets snapped, and Komaeda fell with a shout. Except Hinata was faster. He caught Komaeda's arm, and with some effort hoisted the other boy into the fort.
"Hehe, thank you, Hinata-kun.. that reminded me of the first day we met, when you saved me from falling…"
"...yeah." Hinata muttered softly.
Komaeda immediately noted his reluctance to speak. Clearly there was something on his mind, and he could guess what it was. Regardless of knowing what the issue was, he still politely inquired.
"Is something the matter, Hinata-kun?"
"What do you think...:" was the reply. Komaeda knew the topic wasn't to be avoided, so he shuffled up right besides Hinata, brushing the white strands of hair out of his eyes, which seemed to be getting whiter as time went by.
"Hinata-kun… I got the thing… "
"The thing…"
"You know…" Komaeda hesitated, "...um, life expectancy."
Hinata lifted his head and made direct eye contact with Komaeda. Now he was interested. He stared at Komaeda expectantly, and Komaeda took an instant to admire the despair in those gorgeous olive eyes. He wished if only he could witness the hope that would stem from it one day… oh well. It wasn't up to him.
"How long…" Hinata's voice wavered with disdain and fear. Komaeda sighed, frowning at Hinata.
"A year, maybe two…? Or less…"
Hinata made some sort of frustrated sigh and turned away. Komaeda shuffled closer.
"Hinata-kun… please don't get angry at me, it's not my fault."
Hinata looked up "I'm not angry at you, why would I be…? It's just… you can't die on me, no… I swear, you have some stupid, stupid bad luck. I've noticed it. You always get the crappy end of the stick. With everything! It's not fair…"
Komaeda patted Hinata's tense shoulders. "I know, I've noticed it myself, Hinata-kun."
"None of it's fair… I wish… I wish I could shoulder some of it for once, so you can be happy."
"..." Komaeda brought Hinata into a hug, "...No, you don't."
"... Eh?"
He brought himself closer. "I'd gladly deal with this kind of luck, Hinata-kun… if it means the most important person to me doesn't have to."
Hinata looked up into Komaeda's cool, ashen eyes with confusion. "Komaeda…"
Komaeda didn't let down his gaze, as he focused directly into the scared, unsure olive eyes that watched him, then looked to the floor. "Hinata-kun, if I only have this long to live… I'm sorry for asking you of this, I don't deserve it in the slightest, I'm aware, but pleas-"
"Komaeda, anything." Hinata hugged Komaeda closer to him, and snuck two fingers under Komaeda's chin, pulling up his face to meet his own. They were awfully close, but neither noticed.
"Anything…" Komaeda repeated, and Hinata nodded, watching his dying friend closely. Komaeda looked for a second like he was thinking deeply, contemplating something important, and then slid his hands over Hinata's face… and pulled it towards his own face slowly, giving the brunette plenty of time to back away if he wanted to. But he didn't. The pair closed their eyes and felt the soft touch of each other's lips on theirs. After a second, the two of them opened their eyes. Next, Hinata pulled Komaeda in closer for another, stronger kiss. Komaeda complied, moving closer as well.
"Thank you Hinata-kun… I'm sorry." He laughed sheepishly, pushing the white clumps of snowy hair wisps from his face.
Hinata smiled at the silly awkward expression on Komaeda's face. He never really noticed how cute he looked like that. "No, thank you."